Dr. Barnes graduated from the Indiana University School of Optometry in 1982. His first practice was in Portales, New Mexico from 1982 to 1989. His family is originally from South West Tennessee near Muscle Shoals. Dr. Barnes has practiced in the Tennessee Valley since returning home in 1989. He has two daughters and seven grandchildren. Dr. Barnes and his wife live on the Tennessee River where they enjoy boating, bird watching, wildlife photography and caring for their two rescue dogs and seven rescue cats.